Polyphasic analysis of a middle ages coprolite microbiota, Belgium
Sandra Appelt1, Fabrice Armougom1, Matthieu Le Bailly2
1Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, Centre national de la recherche scientifique 7278, IRD 198, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale 1095, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
Plos One
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Medieval gut microbiota was investigated using a 14th-century coprolite. This paleomicrobiological study revealed ancient gut inhabitants, environmental flora, and pathogens, adding to our knowledge of historical human microbiomes.
Area of Science:
- Paleomicrobiology
- Microbiome research
- Medieval history
Background:
- Coprolites offer insights into past environments and health.
- Understanding historical gut microbiota is crucial for comparative studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial composition of a 14th-century coprolite from Namur, Belgium.
- To identify ancient gut inhabitants, environmental flora, and potential pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Microscopy, culture-dependent methods, and metagenomics were employed.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequencing confirmed findings.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for bacterial identification.
Main Results:
- Microscopic analysis revealed preserved environmental flora (amoebal cysts, plant fibers, seeds, pollens, molds).
- Seventeen bacterial species were cultured, including environmental and gut-associated organisms.
- Metagenomic and 16S rRNA analyses identified dominant bacterial phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Chlamydia) and revealed intestinal parasites (Trichuris, Ascaris) and pathogens (Bartonella, Bordetella).
Conclusions:
- The Namur coprolite contained a complex microbial community, including typical gut microbiota, parasites, and pathogens.
- This study enhances our understanding of gut microbiota composition during medieval times.
